Abstract

【Purpose】In order for the elderly to prevent locomotive syndrome, it is necessary to improve their health literacy. To this end, we sought to clarify the knowledge and attitudes necessary for older people to take action to prevent locomotive syndrome, and to identify the factors that influence this, with a focus on health literacy.

【Method】We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 older people aged 65 and over about their thoughts on and actions to prevent locomotive syndrome in their daily lives, and analyzed the results qualitatively and inductively.

【Result】The preventive actions for locomotive syndrome were [thinking about what to do to keep moving on one’s own] and [taking actions that suit one’s physical strength]. Additionally, the influencing factors were [noticing the decline in physical movement due to aging], [being sensitive to information that helps one to move the way one wants to], [being influenced by the environment], and [wanting to be able to move the way one wants to].

【Conclusion】The elderly understand the environment around them, such as the area where they live in and the presence or absence of social resources, and based on information useful for preventing Locomotive Syndrome, their physical strength and physical condition, they acted in a way appropriate to them.